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Background: This meta-analysis investigates the correlation between social media addiction (SMA), fear of missing out (FOMO), and loneliness.
Methods: The study encompasses research conducted from 2013 to 2023, exploring the connection between SMA, FOMO, and loneliness. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and the National Thesis Center. Keywords such as “social media addiction,” “fear of missing out,” and “loneliness” were employed for relevant study retrieval. A total of 312 studies were identified, and, following predefined criteria, 34 studies were selected for detailed examination from that the 16 studies, comprising 9 studies on the relationship between social media addiction (SMA) and loneliness and 7 studies on the relationship between SMA and fear of missing out (FOMO) are taken for the analysis. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was computed as the effect size, and a random effects model was applied for the analysis.
Results: In the meta-analysis examining the relationship between SMA and loneliness, no publication bias was identified. Despite heterogeneity among the studies, the correlation effect size was determined to be 0.347 according to the random effects model. Similarly, in the meta-analysis concerning the relationship between SMA and FOMO, no publication bias was observed. Due to heterogeneity, the correlation effect size was found to be 0.647 according to the random effects model.
Conclusion: The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant, positive, and moderate relationship between SMA and loneliness. Additionally, a significant, positive, and strong association was identified between FOMO and SMA.
Cite this article as: Kılınçel Ş, Kariveliparambil A, Ashraf M, et al. Social media addiction, loneliness, and fear of missing out: A meta-analysis and directions for future research. Psychiatry Clin Psychopharmacol. Published online October 30, 2025. doi:10.5152/ pcp.2025.251152.